Impact of Charter Schools on Their Affiliated Traditional Public School Districts

Abstract:

After one quarter of a century in operation, charter schools remain at the center
of much controversy in the field of public education. With over three million students
enrolled in charter schools, there are both proponents and those who oppose schools of
choice for youth and their families. While some scholars have found that charter schools
are positive or neutral in their impact on public school district finances, others suggest
that these choice schools cause financial repercussions to their affiliated districts. The
body of research is growing in terms of studies about charter schools and their fiscal
impact on their affiliated traditional public school districts; however, it does not appear
that any definitive data has been collected to suggest the ramifications of these schools on
the public sector. Furthermore, there is a lack of research about the possible impact that
affiliated charter schools and their financial ramifications have on the decision-making of
traditional public school district leaders. Therefore, there is a need to study the impacts of
charter schools on their affiliated traditional public school districts and what ramifications
they might have on the students who are “left behind” in the public sector. Through
an analysis of the financial statements and enrollment figures, in addition to a series of
interviews with district leaders who have affiliated charter schools, this study provides
a better understanding of how charter schools impact district finances and the decision making of district leaders regarding charter authorization and renewal.